Di Maria's Relationship with Scaloni Under Scrutiny After National Team Omission

"It appears that Scaloni doesn't pay much attention to the Argentine league." While Angel Di Maria delivered the line with a chuckle, Argentine media personality Flavio Azzaro isn't convinced by the lighthearted tone — and his skepticism may be warranted.

Azzaro, a prominent voice known for his candid takes on his show El Tribunero, made waves this week by suggesting there's authentic tension brewing between Di Maria and Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni. His interpretation? Di Maria has been performing well in domestic competition, desires a return to the national setup, and feels he's being overlooked without valid justification.

Reading between the lines

"There's friction between Di Maria and Scaloni. I don't believe those recent remarks were just friendly banter. He anticipated getting the call-up based on his strong performances in Argentine football," Azzaro explained.

This perspective completely changes the narrative. What initially seemed like a playful comment suddenly appears more like a veteran expressing discontent through media channels — one of football's time-tested tactics. Di Maria understands precisely how such statements resonate.

While Azzaro remains a divisive personality in Argentine sports media and his assertions don't always gain universal acceptance, the underlying friction he's highlighting isn't implausible. When a player of Di Maria's calibre continues performing at a respectable standard yet finds himself excluded from an Argentina roster ahead of a home World Cup — that's exactly the scenario that creates quiet resentment before erupting publicly.

What's ahead for the Albiceleste

Argentina are gearing up for two friendly matches — facing Mauritania on March 27 followed by Zambia on March 31 — after the Finalissima was cancelled. Scaloni's priority remains maintaining squad sharpness and unity leading into 2026, a tournament carrying additional significance as Lionel Messi's anticipated farewell World Cup appearance.

Squad selection drama represents the last complication he wants to navigate. A disrupted Argentina environment, even during friendlies, can begin altering narratives — and for those evaluating Argentina's championship prospects under the assumption that team chemistry is solid, the Scaloni-Di Maria dynamic deserves monitoring as rosters get finalized.

At present, Scaloni hasn't addressed the situation publicly. Meanwhile, Di Maria remains excluded from the squad, laughing — or perhaps not, depending on whose interpretation you trust.